Nanotechnology: Fully Funded KESS II PhD: Synthesis, characterisation of novel alginate/carbon nanomaterial composite hydrogels with incorporate enzymes for health monitoring

*This scholarships is part funded by the Welsh Government’s European Social Fund (ESF) convergence programme for West Wales and the Valleys.*

The work aims at developing alginate hydrogels in the presence of carbon nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplatelets) and with incorporated enzymes for the quantification of analytes of interest in health monitoring (glucose, lactate, hydrogen peroxide) via electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection. Incorporation of carbon nanomaterials within alginate has not yet been explored, however, the success in the fabrication of this new composite material could have the potential to revolutionise the sensor sector. Perpetuus is currently producing a catalogue of carbon nanomaterials in different forms and with different chemical functionalities for a variety of applications from fuel cells to batteries. Perpetuus is keen to explore the feasibility of the as-produced carbon materials beyond the energy sector. The Life Science/Health sector is expected to grow a considerable pace in the next decade, and the sensors market within the point-of-care diagnostics is one the potential markets Perpetuus is keen to explore to expand its business. Perpetuus has the urgency to identify these carbon nanomaterials within its producing line for potential applications in the biotechnology/Life Science sector.

Scholarships are collaborative awards with external partners including SME’s and micro companies, as well as public and third sector organisations. The scholarship provides 3 years of funding with a 6 month period to complete the thesis. The achievement of a postgraduate skills development award, PSDA, is compulsory for each KESS II scholar and is based on a 60 credit award.

Eligibility
Candidates should have a 2.1 or above in their undergraduate degree in Chemistry/Physics/Engineering disciplines or a related subject. They should also be eligible for UK/EU Fees.

We would normally expect the academic and English Language requirements to be met by point of application. For details on the University’s English Language entry requirements, please visit – http://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/englishlanguagerequirements/